Overview & Reviews

The 3.5-liter RL now makes a generous 225 horsepower (up 15 from last year), and 231 pound-feet of torque, but a V8 engine still isn't available. The luxury sedan's double-wishbone suspension has been tuned for sportier handling characteristics this year, and wider, low-profile Michelins shoe the redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels. Noise and vibration should be quelled better by additional insulation material under the hood and dashboard, and the OnStar communications system makes its debut. Outside, the 2002 RL is freshened by new body-colored lower side sills, splash guards and roof strips.

• Full load of equipment, optional DVD navigation system, reputation for quality and reliability.

• Front-drive with a V6 in a sea of V8 RWD competitors, bland exterior styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 61.00

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  Nightmare - 2002 Acura RL
  By David Bishop - March 19 - 10:07 am

  This car has been in the shop no less than 10 times since I bought it less than 1 year ago. They cant fix it. After being in the shop for 49 the block is being replaced. I knew I wanted the 03 that they had just sold. O well.

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  Great Quality - 2002 Acura RL
  By Phx_RL - September 19 - 1:11 am

  Excellent car. We have had this car for a year now. Bought it as a certified vehicle. No issues to speak of. Smooth drive and comfort. Feels more solid and safe to drive vs a Lexus.

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  Why I continue to drive RLs - 2002 Acura RL
  By RLmonster - August 24 - 1:42 am

  In 1999, I leased the 99 RL. After three years, I was so happy with the vehicle, I repeated the experience and leased an 02. If you are looking for a classy luxury sedan, that is often mistaken for a Mercedes, that gives a 225hp burst off the line, this is your car. After 6 years (3 in the 99 and another 3 in the 02) I have had ZERO problems with the RL class. Now, to show you how committed this RL guy is, this evening (8/22/05) I leased a third RL, the redesigned 05 and parted with the 02. I compared the Avalon, M and G Infinitis, Mercedes, and Lexus. Hell, I even tried to get into the new Passat. In the end, the RL won on price, value, and the bonus of AWD (try that BMW!)

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  EXPENSIVE HONDA - 2002 Acura RL
  By RLK - July 25 - 1:57 pm

  Vehicle has many impressive points but sitting position still reminds me of my Honda. Lexus has better driver visibility. Its time for Honda to give these cars their own chassis. Lexus designs their cars for American size drivers but Honda/Acura designs their cars for Japanese size drivers. A lot of car for the money.

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  Nice Reliable but not cushy for luxury sedan - 2002 Acura RL
  By JDM - April 12 - 12:12 am

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  Sold on RLs - 2002 Acura RL
  By ajaye - February 8 - 6:58 pm

  This is my second RL after 25 years of BMWs (still own one, convertible). After seven years of the RL model I have replaced one (thats 1) brake light. Nothing else except regular maintenance. I still like the body style, but will test drive a 2005 later this week. The difference in dollars with the BMW is simply not worth it., in fact, I would take the RL over the 5 series at the same price.

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  Former Lexus Owner - 2002 Acura RL
  By Perry P - December 17 - 9:22 pm

  We owned 2 Lexux prior to leasing the3.5 RL. Nice car. Rides smooth on the highway. No major problems. Pretty good mileage. Nice stereo system. Pretty comfortable on long trips. I think my wife prefers SUV and we will probably go back to the RX330 when lease is up.Only other disappointment is the selling price. Seems to be overpriced by $5.000.00

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  Experience an Acura RL - 2002 Acura RL
  By kayakkim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving the Acura RL for 36 months and have not experienced a single mechanical failure. Power and pick up are important to me and the 3.5RLs hp and driving performance have exceeded my expectations. The exterior body style lends itself to a touch of sporty as well as luxury likeness. The interior is layed out nicely, feature rich and very comfortable especially on long trips. This is the third Acura I have owned and would definately consider buying a fourth.

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  Class Ride - 2002 Acura RL
  By RL Fan - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Acuras over the last 10 years and this is easily the best of the bunch. Ive had the 02 RL for 3 years now and still LOVE it. It is a very classy car and compares very well to cars costing $10-$15K more. Test drove the BMW 530, Lexus GS 300 and Lincoln LS before buying. After 3 years of ownership, I am very confident I made the best choice by going with the Acura RL. Reliabilty is absolutely first-rate.

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  ComfortPlus - 2002 Acura RL
  By Over55 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd RL - tried a BMW between purchase 1 & 2 - and the RLs comfort and simplicity was too strong to stay Bemered.